Best Linux Distro for Physics Graduate Students

Definitely check out the distro selection page online! There are lots of resources that can help you find the right fit. As for your needs, NVIDIA drivers have improved significantly for CUDA on Linux, especially compared to how they used to handle regular desktop tasks. And about AutoCAD, you'll likely need to run it through a virtual machine, since it's not natively compatible, or find similar programs that work on Linux.

Honestly, you might have gotten the wrong idea about NVIDIA drivers. They actually work quite well, especially for CUDA tasks. For switching GPUs, Linux has tools like prime to help you manage that efficiently. You can set your system to default to the integrated GPU and launch specific applications using commands like prime-run. As for distributions, I suggest trying Ubuntu. It's not only user-friendly but also stable, making it a great choice for your simulations. Just remember, AutoCAD won't run natively on Linux, so you'll need a virtual machine or look for alternative CAD software.

For managing your GPU setup on Linux, check out the prime commands for switching between your integrated and dedicated graphics. It's a straightforward process, and most distros support it well. Regarding distributions, I would stick with something like Ubuntu or even Pop!_OS, which is tailored for gaming and creative work. AutoCAD is Windows-only, unfortunately, but consider using a VM or similar software instead to run it smoothly.